Legislative Agenda 2007-2008
The Autism Society of Michigan's legislative efforts for the next year will concentrate on the following areas which are guided by our mission statement:
The mission of the Autism Society of Michigan (ASM) is to assure full participation and self determination in every aspect of life for each individual. We will realize this vision by opening avenues of self-advocacy and advocating on behalf of others in a way that values equity, respect, dignity and diversity in all communities.
Appropriate Insurance Coverage for Individuals with Autism Across The Lifespan
While insurance companies cover medical treatment for similar neurologically based disorders, they deny coverage appropriate for autism related conditions based on the patient's diagnosis of Autism. Early and intensive interventions can greatly help individuals with autism. These interventions can include various types of services and biomedical treatments. Families, individuals, and care providers are then required to financially meet these requirements which can result in tens of thousands of dollars per year. Most children and adults therefore go without needed services due to families not being able to meet the financial burden. Desired legislation should be written such that it does not impact other services or programs received by individuals with Autism or other disabilities. ASM supports legislation which requires insurance companies to provide appropriate coverage for all individuals with Autism.
Creation of a Statewide Autism Task Force in 2008
ASM supports legislation to create a statewide Autism task force that would investigate the incidence of Autism in Michigan, identify the existing services and programs offered, identify the gaps, and make specific recommendations on how to close those gaps. The task force should be individuals who have experience with Autism, both professional and personal, and should including individuals with Autism, parents, educators, service providers, and physicians. This could include efforts to form an Autism Caucus and an Autism Legislative Commission within the Michigan Legislature so that legislators can become more familiar with the needs of the Autism community and become proactive in ways to best meet of individuals affected by Autism with adequate appropriations.
Addressing Supports Needed to Improve Educational Services to Ensure Free and Appropriate Public Educations for Students with Autism
The growing number of individuals diagnosed with Autism will require increased consideration by the Michigan Department of Education on how to best meet the needs of students with Autism. There is currently a shortage of teachers adequately trained and qualified to instruct children and adults with Autism. As a result, the majority of schools and educational programs are not meeting the needs of students with Autism. ASM supports legislation to identify and implement the most effective strategies and to support educators pursuing training and certification related to Autism Spectrum Disorders. We also feel it is imperative to have advocacy representation specific for parents seeking appropriate educational services for their children when developing individualized educational plans that will allow for free and appropriate educations as well as least restrictive environment options.
Developing a Mechanism of Identifying and Providing Appropriate Supports for Individuals Affected by Autism over the Lifespan
Individuals with Autism have a normal life expectancy and will typically need a varying degree of supports from the time that they are a young child until they are senior citizens. While supports and services for children are often insufficient, it becomes even more challenging for adolescents and adults. ASM will seek legislation to support individuals with Autism in the areas of secondary education, employment and living alternatives which, if needed, will provide supports in residential environments and the community.
Adapting Existing Programs to Meet the Needs of Individuals with Autism
Many families do not earn enough income to pay for interventions for their children with Autism, but earn an annual income that disqualifies them for the services that their loved ones may need. ASM supports legislation to create an umbrella of wrap around services via Medicaid waivers, and other supports for individuals with Autism to provide needed interventions and services to assist in relieving the enormous financial burden to families. We feel that by doing so initially with early intervention, and continual supports, that the quality of life for many individuals with Autism and their families will be enhanced.
